Compensation for Gassing Injury in a Factory

Should I use a solicitor to claim compensation for a gassing injury in a factory? I was exposed to chlorine gas at work and my doctor has told me I have developed irritant induced asthma as a result of breathing in the gas.

Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor

Editor in Chief

Question:

Should I use a solicitor to claim compensation for a gassing injury in a factory? I was exposed to chlorine gas at work and my doctor has told me I have developed irritant induced asthma as a result of breathing in the gas.

Answer:

A gassing injury in a factory which has caused irritant induced asthma is likely to involve considerable damages; it would therefore be strongly advisable to pursue compensation for a gassing injury in a factory with the assistance of a solicitor. Making a personal injury claim is a one time opportunity to receive recompense for your injuries and it is in your best interests to prepare the strongest possible claim. You also need to ensure that all aspects of your injury are factored into your factory gassing injury claim.

Despite the option of making a claim for factory gassing injury compensation through the Injuries Board Ireland, the majority of accident victims in Ireland still choose to pursue claims for compensation using a solicitor. Not only does this place your claim in the hands of somebody with experience of the legal paperwork, but you will also receive assistance with arranging the necessary medical reports necessary to support your gassing injury claim – providing you with the opportunity to receive treatment for your irritant induced asthma injury without the pressure associated with making a factory gassing injury claim.

When you have a personal injury solicitor fighting for compensation on your behalf it can speed up the recovery of factory gassing injury compensation. When your claim is submitted to the Injuries Board Ireland for assessment, it usually takes between six to nine months to process – after your employer has been given three months to consent to an assessment being done. This means that it is likely to take at least a year before you receive compensation for a gassing injury in a factory if your employer accepts liability for the accident. If litigation is required or if liability is denied, the timeframe could be increased significantly.

However, by engaging the services of a solicitor, it may be possible to resolve your claim for compensation for a gassing injury in a factory directly with your employer´s insurance company. This process is much quicker than making a claim for factory gassing injury compensation through the Injuries Board Ireland and is likely to result in a more adequate settlement of your factory gassing injury claim.